(2).
coincide with my forthcoming visit to the South in
connexion with Sun's funeral and that unless I have
discretion as already authorised to initiate negotia-
tions then and there on agreed British draft an
opportunity will have been lost which may never recur
so favourably. It is frequently essential to strike
first and unexpectedly and that had been my intention
in presenting draft treaty if circumstances seemed
propitious, The element of surprise may unfortunate-
ly have been to some extent eliminated by Governor's
action in discussing draft with Hongkong Chamber of
Commerce and Chinese members of Legislative Council
over my head. His action is peculiarly embarrassing
since I was waiting to go South before broaching the
subject with Shanghai whom I desired to teke first
into my confidence. Moreover, we know from Hongkong
telegram No. 8 of May 1st that Hongkong could not comment on proposals without previous consultation
with Shanghai.
No draft can hope to prove acceptable to Chinese without some modification and negotiations are likely to be long and contentious.
Governor already has authority to delegate official to assist me in the negotiations (your telegram No. 183) end any special points on behalf of Hongkong
which may have escaped attention when draft was being drawn up in London in consultation with Colonial
Office could be entrusted to the advocacy of that
official
17